Pat McCarthy

With the closing of A Novel Idea, I thought it appropriate to write a little about my experience as the "in house" supervisor. I signed time sheets and oversaw the day to day operations, while training the staff to run A Novel Idea. Here's what I learned and here's what I'll miss.

I will miss the poetry readings of local authors, Marc Montgomery's "Spoken Word," Georgia Popoff - an amazing prose writer from Syracuse - and the book signings with Frank Netti, Cathy Brochu, Bob Calimieri, Deb Traunstein and Bunny McCune.

I will miss the comedy routines of Melon featuring Dave Stoors and Jason Pattington; who taught me that stale rolls and chocolate pudding are not good props. I will miss the local musicians who performed. From the indie bands and acoustic singing of Jenny Chamberlain to the keyboard tunes of Emily Jones. I'll miss the intense videographics of Dan Miller to the blue grass melodies of Doctor Kirch. I will miss looking at the artwork of Candy Lucas, Brian Simmons, Sonja Gower, Brandon Zahn, Rhonda Zahn, Allison Roy, Betty Komarisky and Carmelina Mondo, and others.

I will miss the photography displayed by Michelle Prego, Scott Curitis and Nicole Newman. I will miss Joe Sarnicola and his cousin Mike who came in to write the great American novel. I will miss Tarot card readings with Cathy Stevens. I will miss indie film night with Devon DelloStritto and Terry Cuddy. I will miss the Works in Clay by Ashley Bobbett, Paul Newman, Jessie Reich and others. I will miss collaborating with Tom Hussey for art shows and Jim Loperfido, Jessie and Steve Klein and Terry Cuddy for the film festival. I will miss LAN parties with Steve Shaw. I will miss the newsletter and Cooking with Kevin.

Most of all, I will miss my staff: Jeremy Johnston who coordinated music events. When I asked Jeremy if he could get some music coming into A Novel Idea, he told me, "I'll try." He made it possible for bands from all over the country to come and perform. He networked, bartered and negotiated. Jeremy did more than try, he accomplished. I will miss Matt Wisnieqski's enigmatic smile, warm personality and his awesome singing voice. He's a talented musician. I will miss Jessie Reich's beautiful window painting, her artwork and creativity. Jessie taught me how to think outside the box and I thank her for that. I will miss Stephanie Webster, a very creative young lady who kept the paperwork on task. I will miss Ashley Moe, whose passion for reading kept the bookstore in order and whose voice filled the cafe when her band, Bliss, performed, all the while maintaining an A average. I will miss Chris Andersen's energy and ability to bring a smile to whomever he had contact with.

I've learned that even though we tried something new and we didn't make much money (which wasn't why we were there in the first place), it has been a remarkable experience. I'd also like to thank all of the Cayuga Counseling staff .

McCarthy is program coordinator for A Novel Idea